mineral

Raw Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to brownish-orange. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal system: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to brownish-orange
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to brownish-orange. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal system: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in magmatic pegmatites and hydrothermal quartz veins. Natural citrine gets its color from trace amounts of ferric iron (Fe3+) integrated into the quartz crystal lattice under natural heat conditions.

Uses & applications

Popular as a gemstone for jewelry, mineral specimen collecting, and decorative carvings.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare in nature compared to heat-treated amethyst, which accounts for most commercial 'citrine'. It has been treasured as a gemstone for thousands of years, used by ancient Greeks and Romans.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its quartz hardness (scratches glass), glass-like luster, absence of cleavage, and translucent pale yellow-golden honey hue. Frequently found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.